Olena Zelenska, wife of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, told the World Health Organization (WHO) assembly that the impact of the Russian invasion on health care and mental health could last for decades.
In a video address to the World Health Assembly in Geneva on May 23, Zelenska said that "the Russian war has shown horrors that we could not even imagine," highlighting the consequences for mental health.
"WHO is committed to protecting the most important human rights to life and health. Now both are being violated in Ukraine," she said.
"The consequences of this war, unfortunately, will remain for years and decades," said Zelenska.
Zelenska's comments came as countries at the World Health Assembly prepare to debate a resolution to be presented by Ukraine and its allies on May 24 strongly condemning Russia's invasion, particularly its more than 200 attacks on health care, including hospitals and ambulances , in Ukraine.
Currently, Zelenska said, "no Ukrainian, neither adults nor small children, can be sure that they will wake up tomorrow and that a missile will not fly into their house".
"Doctors cannot be sure that their ambulances will not be bombed on the way to the patient".
The resolution also expresses alarm at the "emergency health situation in Ukraine" and highlights dire consequences beyond its borders, including how disrupted grain exports are deepening the global food security crisis.
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach told reporters on May 23 that "the resolution uses strong language" and expressed confidence that it has enough support to pass.
Top health officials addressing a gathering in Geneva on May 23 expressed support for the resolution while condemning the Russian invasion.
"We gather here today in a peaceful European city without needing to fear the sound of incoming missiles or artillery ... or to fear rape and execution by invading troops," British Health Secretary Sajid Javid told the gathering.
"As a group of nations we cannot be for health, for humanity, without being against such brutal violence," as is happening in Ukraine, he said.
"Therefore, it is absolutely right that we vote on a proposal that condemns the unjustified aggression of (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin.
US Assistant Secretary of Health Loyce Pace echoed those sentiments.
"Russian attacks have destroyed numerous health facilities. Civilians and health workers have been maimed and killed," she said.
"The international community and the United States will continue to stand with the people of Ukraine."
Without specifically mentioning the resolution, Russia argued that the WHO and its decision-making body were politicized.
"With deep concern, we have recently noted attempts to politicize the organization's work, as well as deviations from the principle of 'impartiality' in its work," Deputy Health Minister of Russia Aleksandra Dronova told the assembly.
She called on WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus "to prevent the WHO from becoming a political platform".
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